Questions. B8 HD Shocks & Rear Bushing Tool Rental

00imolaM5 · 26th June 2012, 14:46

Have been reading all the threads on replacement of the Dampers. I have decided to go with the HD B8 Bilstein's with stock springs. I understand that the rear shocks need to be machined. I have also read that you can have them machined @ Bilstein or a local machine shop. I am curious about getting them pre-machined by Bilstein. Does anyone have any definitive information on this such as a point of contact to place an order? Or at least the Specific machine data ?

I will be having these replaced in about 2 or 3 weeks and will do the Rear Sub bushings at the same time so I would like request information on Rear Sub Busing tool rental. Please respond via pm or email.
Location is South Central Louisiana.

Thank you all for your input and participation to this group!
00imolaM5

M540i · 26th June 2012, 16:17

A couple things - Why the need to machine the rear shocks/ what is being machined on them? Second: How many miles do you have on your vehicle? The reason I ask is because it may be premature to be doing your rear subframe bushings already.

00imolaM5 · 26th June 2012, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by M540i

A couple things - Why the need to machine the rear shocks/ what is being machined on them? Second: How many miles do you have on your vehicle? The reason I ask is because it may be premature to be doing your rear subframe bushings already.

Thank you for your reply:
Shocks: In previous posts, I have read that the Rear Shocks need to be machined for proper clip placement (ride height). It seems that the rear of the car is 1/4 to 1/2 higher. Maybe this is not the case, but that is what has been stated.

Rear Bush's. Over the last month I have started to experience a clunk in the rear at Power on/off. From dead stop and through all gears. With a lot of caress it does not bump or clunk. The clunk is not just a sound, but you can feel it in the drive train eminating from the rear end.

I have broken the rear subframe before (previous owner welded it and it came apart) However there is good sub frame installed at this time. The feeling is Very simular but much less. As if the axle has to much rotational play?

Mileage is 110K

M540i · 26th June 2012, 18:54

I would recommend checking your entire driveline as well to ensure that nothing is going on with the guibo (flex disc that driveshaft connects to at tailshaft on transmission) as well as the driveshaft center bearing for any play. That "feel" can often mimic what you are experiencing as well. I hope you are able to tackle this issue.

As an aside, I have the B8 Sport shocks on my 540i with H&R Sport Springs and the ride height is suitable at all four corners. And I am pretty sure that the B8 application for the 540i is the same as the M5. Let me know what your research has returned and how do you go about getting Bilstein to machine them for you in the first place?

M540i · 26th June 2012, 18:54

I would recommend checking your entire driveline as well to ensure that nothing is going on with the guibo (flex disc that driveshaft connects to at tailshaft on transmission) as well as the driveshaft center bearing for any play. That "feel" can often mimic what you are experiencing as well. I hope you are able to tackle this issue.

As an aside, I have the B8 Sport shocks on my 540i with H&R Sport Springs and the ride height is suitable at all four corners. And I am pretty sure that the B8 application for the 540i is the same as the M5. Let me know what your research has returned and how do you go about getting Bilstein to machine them for you in the first place?

bimmerule · 26th June 2012, 19:01

The guy is talking about differential bushings, not subframe bushings. I've never heard of having to machine bilstein b8 shocks to fit.

M540i · 26th June 2012, 19:14

Well differential bushings would make that much more sense. Having had plenty of experience with that, I can say that diff bushings are a more accurate assessment.

00imolaM5 · 26th June 2012, 22:38

Information that the rear shock needs modification for perch height was found here Bilstein HD shock review

In this thread there is reference a few times to the difference in springs of the 540i and the M5 and perch height. Maybe this information is incorrect, but it seemed factual when I read it.

My bad on the bushings.. Yes, I want to change the Rubber differental bush's and need to rent the tool for installation if possible. I changed the quibo last dec, and I must say it was held together by a thread ! I was real lucky.... The center bearing seemed in good shape at the time.

I am open to any suggestions, but I am pretty sure there is to much play in the rear end when torque is applied or removed and the rear end is bucking from worn out rubbers. I plan to change the Xmsn mounts for good measure as well.

I do appreciate all the input, this is an awsome place to get ideas and support from real life experiences!

00imolaM5